We are in for a stormy winter with record or near-record snowfall, possible ice storms and blustery, snow-shovel weather, according to Michael Carter, a meteorologist with the Weather Network.

“Active, stormy winter ahead with above-normal snowfall potential is going to be the headline this year,” Carter said in an interview.

The indicators point to a winter similar to 2007-08, which saw record snowfall in the Great Lakes area and into Eastern Ontario, Carter said.

The snowfall might not surpass the record set that year, but it could come close, he said.

The average Brockville winter sees snowfall of 39 centimetres in December, 49 cm in January – our snowiest month – and 39 cm in February, Carter said. The city certainly can expect to exceed those averages, he said.

Winter will come roaring in during December, and “it will be most likely here to stay,” he said.

Don’t expect an early spring, either, he added. While it’s a bit early to predict the spring, Carter said the indications from past seasons indicate that the groundhog will be seeing his shadow this year.

Oh, and be ready for ice storms, he warns.

“Certainly at some point this year – and probably a couple of times – we are looking at the potential for an ice storm somewhere in the Great Lakes region: Southern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Quebec,” he said.

“Somewhere along the way, somebody will pick up some ice in this pattern,” said Carter.

The silver lining, if there is one, is that we will escape the bone-chilling cold of recent winters and can settle in to more normal winter temperatures, Carter said.

His advice for Brockville residents? Be prepared.

With the possibility of wind and ice, Carter said residents should be ready for power outages and blackouts with an alternative heat and power source as well as drinking water.

The more frequent storms mean that residents should be sure their cars are in good working order and that the snow tires are on, he said.

“And be a good neighbour, be a good friend, and check in on friends and relatives who might not be able to do as much for themselves,” he said.

Carter maintains the Weather Network forecasts are usually accurate. Big weather trends for a three-month period are easy to predict, he said, although there are bound to be a couple weeks that buck the forecast.

“We typically do quite well,” he said. “We’ve had some surprises in the past but for the most part we’re confident in how these outlooks tend to work out.”